New Haven cops’ diversity training questioned

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — The leader of the NAACP’s Greater New Haven branch is calling for better diversity training for city police after a racial slur was heard during a police radio transmission.

Branch President Jim Rawlings told the New Haven Register on Wednesday that police need a diversity training program that aims to weed out officers with racist views. He says an improved program should put officers through a “psychological battery.”

New Haven police already have a diversity training curriculum, but Rawlings wants an independent organization to do a more contemporary program.

Police officials say the N-word was said over a police radio Dec. 30 and they’re still investigating the incident.

Police Chief Dean Esserman says the department doesn’t tolerate racist behavior and is working to address the issue like others nationwide.